Wuxi Tour Highlights: From Ancient Heroes to Cherry Blossoms at Yuantouzhu

Tour Itinerary

In the morning, your local English-speaking tour guide will greet you at Suzhou Railway Station or your hotel lobby, holding a welcome sign that reads "Your Way Holiday." After a warm introduction, you’ll board your comfortable private vehicle for a scenic drive to Wuxi, a lakeside city just about 1 hour from Suzhou, known for its deep historical roots, cultural charm, and stunning Taihu Lake landscapes.

Your first stop on this immersive Wuxi day tour is the impressive Three Kingdoms City, a sprawling historical film set located on the scenic banks of Taihu Lake. Originally constructed by China Central Television (CCTV) in the 1990s, this massive set served as the primary filming location for the beloved Chinese historical drama The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, based on the classic novel by Luo Guanzhong. Covering more than 35 hectares, the site was designed with meticulous attention to historical detail and has since become a major cultural attraction.

As you enter the city through its towering ancient-style gates, you'll be transported into the heroic and chaotic world of the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). Within its expansive grounds lie faithful recreations of imperial palaces, military camps, fortified walls, stone arch bridges, ancestral halls, watchtowers, and ceremonial plazas, all constructed according to ancient architectural principles and featuring ornate woodwork, traditional tile roofing, and symbolic décor.

Your expert guide will lead you through the complex, bringing the history to life with captivating stories of legendary figures such as Liu Bei, the compassionate and noble emperor; Cao Cao, the brilliant yet ruthless warlord; and Zhuge Liang, the revered strategist known for his wisdom and foresight. Their tales of alliance, betrayal, loyalty, and battlefield ingenuity are not only foundational to Chinese literature, but also provide timeless reflections on leadership, morality, and human ambition.

For a more immersive experience, you’ll have the opportunity to try on replica period costumes—choose from a warrior's armor, a scholar's robe, or even an emperor’s ceremonial dress. Strike a pose atop a battle chariot or beneath a carved archway, and capture unforgettable photos that make your journey into ancient China even more memorable. (This activity is optional and available at your own expense.)

One of the highlights of the visit is a gentle boat ride on the calm waters of Taihu Lake, available depending on weather conditions. Setting off from the private pier inside the film city, you’ll glide past willow-lined shores and distant misty hills that perfectly reflect the poetic landscapes so often described in classical Chinese literature. The tranquility of the lake offers a beautiful contrast to the grandeur of the city, allowing you a moment of peaceful reflection.

Adding to the cultural richness, you may be able to enjoy a traditional performance such as Kunqu Opera, one of China’s oldest and most elegant art forms, or Wuxi Pingtan, a style of lyrical storytelling accompanied by traditional instruments like the pipa and sanxian. These performances are held in an open-air or indoor theater within the park, with artists donning flowing silk costumes, embroidered headpieces, and expressive face paint. Their poetic lyrics, slow melodic phrasing, and graceful gestures provide a glimpse into the soul of Jiangnan’s performing arts.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of Chinese drama, or simply curious about ancient life and aesthetics, Three Kingdoms City offers a truly immersive cultural experience, blending storytelling, architecture, nature, and performing arts into a fascinating and photogenic journey through one of China’s most iconic historical eras.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant renowned for its traditional Wuxi cuisine, which is a highlight of the Jiangsu culinary style. Wuxi dishes are celebrated for their balanced flavors, with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a harmonious blend of sweet and savory. During your meal, you’ll have the chance to savor the famous Wuxi-style spare ribs, a dish known for its tender meat glazed in a rich, sweet sauce. Additionally, you’ll be treated to Wuxi sweet-scented rice balls, a delicious dessert that encapsulates the region’s culinary creativity. The restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal in comfort. Should you have any specific dietary preferences or restrictions, please inform our guide, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs, ensuring a satisfying and personalized dining experience. This lunch is an ideal way to immerse yourself in Wuxi’s culinary culture, offering you a deeper understanding of the local food traditions.

After lunch, your journey continues to one of Wuxi’s most cherished landmarks—Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, also known as Turtle Head Isle, a poetic and tranquil peninsula that gently stretches into the sparkling waters of Taihu Lake. Regarded as the crown jewel of Wuxi’s natural attractions, Yuantouzhu has long been celebrated by poets, painters, and scholars for its classical beauty and timeless charm. The name “Yuantouzhu” comes from the shape of the peninsula, which resembles a turtle’s head poking out into the lake—a symbol of longevity and stability in Chinese culture.

As you enter the scenic park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush bamboo groves, pine forests, and blooming flowers, depending on the season. The landscape here is a harmonious blend of natural serenity and traditional Chinese garden aesthetics. Stone pathways wind through shaded woods, past tranquil pavilions, ancient teahouses, and moon gates that frame lake and mountain vistas like living paintings.

Spring is the most famous season at Yuantouzhu, when over 30,000 cherry blossom trees erupt into bloom, turning the entire peninsula into a sea of pink and white petals. This spectacle attracts visitors from across China and abroad and has earned Yuantouzhu the title of “China’s Most Beautiful Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot.” But even outside the cherry blossom season, the park retains a peaceful elegance year-round, with changing seasonal landscapes that reflect the poetic rhythm of Jiangnan life.

Climb up to Hengyun Pavilion or stroll to the Lu Pavilion for panoramic views of Taihu Lake’s vast expanse, dotted with fishing boats and distant islands fading into the mist. Your guide will explain how this lake—one of China’s largest freshwater lakes—has played a vital role in regional culture, economy, and identity for centuries, serving as both a source of livelihood and artistic inspiration.

Throughout your walk, you’ll encounter scenic spots steeped in legend, such as the "Eighteen Arhats Rock", which pays tribute to Buddhist symbolism, or the Guangfu Temple ruins, hidden beneath old trees and stone lanterns. You may even spot artists sketching in shaded corners or couples posing for wedding portraits beneath flowering trees, testifying to the site’s enduring romance.

If time allows, you can enjoy a short cruise on Taihu Lake from the Yuantouzhu dock, offering a fresh perspective of the peninsula’s gentle hills and shoreline. The breeze off the lake, the calls of water birds, and the soft light reflected on the rippling surface all create a deeply relaxing atmosphere—an ideal way to close your exploration of this lakeside retreat.

With its perfect harmony of natural beauty and cultural significance, Yuantouzhu is more than just a park—it is a living poem that captures the spirit of Wuxi. Whether you’re drawn by its scenic elegance, its literary legacy, or the simple joy of walking beneath ancient trees by the water’s edge, your time here will be a soothing and unforgettable experience.

After finished the sightseeing, drive you back to suzhou hotel, your tour ends.

Price Per Person in US Dollars